The government has launched a new £750,000 funding initiative aimed at breaking down barriers and encouraging more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue careers in aviation.

The latest round of the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund, announced on 20 June, will support organisations delivering outreach programmes targeting young people from ethnic minorities and disadvantaged communities who may not have previously considered aviation careers.

This brings the total Reach for the Sky funding to over £3 million, having already supported 40 organisations and reached more than 100,000 young people across the country through its first three rounds.

Aviation Minister Mike Kane said: "This is exactly what this government is all about – breaking down barriers to opportunity so that everyone, no matter their background, has a decent shot at getting a good career and building a good life."

The funding will support various initiatives including career events, mentorship schemes, interactive demonstrations, and educational programmes with schools and universities. It aims to address barriers such as limited access to education, financial constraints, and lack of exposure to career options in the £20 billion aviation sector, which employs 240,000 people across the UK.

To launch the funding, Minister Kane visited a careers workshop run by The King's Trust in Liverpool, where young adults aged 16 to 30 met aviation specialists and participated in employability workshops.

James, 24, from Bath, exemplifies the programme's impact. After struggling with mental health challenges that affected his studies, he completed a King's Trust aviation programme last November and successfully applied to study science, engineering and maths at Bristol University.

"Before the programme, I felt lost and uncertain about my future," James said. "The programme helped me realise that working in the industry is possible and inspired me to apply for university and pursue my dream."

Organisations have until 12 September 2025 to apply for the funding, which will be administered by the Civil Aviation Authority on behalf of the Department for Transport.